“Nope.”
“What are you and my brother doi—” She shakes her head. “Scratch that, I don’t want to know the answer to that particular question. There are just some things a girl doesn’t have to know. Anyway, yes, the police station is doing a charity car wash to gather funds for the new K9. It was actually Matthew’s idea.” Becky gives me a pointed look. “Maybe you should go and check it out. It’s the only thing people have been talking about all day, and like you heard from the lady, the whole thing is pretty…” The corner of her mouth tips upward in a smirk as she settles on, “Entertaining.”
It was Matthew’s idea?
Why didn’t he say something? Then again, we haven’t talked much after that day he came to me, leaving only a short note on my nightstand thanking me and saying he had to get to work. The medical center has been busy, and I’ve used it as an excuse to keep my distance, and I figured he needed the same. That morning with Matthew… It brought back some old memories, old wounds and feelings, and I don’t know what to do about it.
Still… he could have at least brought it up.
I’m his girlfriend, for crying out loud.
Fake girlfriend,the little voice at the back of my mind reminds me.
Because he wanted to show his boss he’s serious,I fire back.
Great, and now he has me fighting with myself.
But seriously, it would have made sense to tell me about it, so why didn’t he? A coincidence? Or did he not want me there?
The insecurity creeps in deeper as I say goodbye to Becky and make my way to the police station. The line is still holding strong, so I don’t even bother driving there.
While Main Street is busy, the street leading up to the police station is completely packed.
They haven’t just put together a car wash; there is also a little stand for the Reading Nook along with a handful of high-top tables. Rose is managing it and chatting with the people who’re grabbing some cold lemonade or brew and a cookie while waiting in line.
Chocolate chip cookies with a paw design on them.
And she’s not alone either, because right next to her little stand, there is another one featuring United Paws where Mae, Chase, and Kyle are standing with the dogs.
Seriously? Did everyone know about this except me?
That unsettling feeling is back in my stomach, squeezing tightly.
“Look who finally decided to show up,” Mae teases as I approach their table.
“Well, if I knew about it…” I mutter under my breath, but my best friend doesn’t miss my comment.
Mae’s mouth falls open as she pulls me to the side. “Wait, he didn’t tell you?”
“No.” I jab my finger into her side. “But neither did you.”
“Ouch.I didn’t know he hadn’t told you!” Mae protests, rubbing at the spot. “Nico came to me with this whole idea, and I was stuck organizing it all while I had to take care of another dog that was sick, so I had my hands full, but I would have assumed yourboyfriendwould have told you!”
“You and me both, and yet here we are.” I shake my head. “So Nico came to you, huh?”
Mae groans. “Don’t even remind me. I wanted to send him packing, but even I couldn’t do that when the idea was solid. Webrought Duke with us so people can see him. He can do some tricks, stuff like that. It’s easier to get people to participate if they know what their money will be going toward and all that.”
“I guess there is that.” I quirk my brow at her. “But what do you get out of it?”
“I can hand out flyers for the shelter, give them to people and maybe have some of them stop by so they can adopt a dog.” She pouts, and I have to bite back my laugh.
“How many people are interested?”
She rolls her eyes. “There might be a few.”
“A few, huh? So, he was right.”
“Don’t remind me,” Mae says on a groan. “And then, on top of everything, he keeps giving me knowing smirks all day long.” Her brows pull together, lips pressing into a tight line. “Just look at him. Smug asshole.”
